CN109310297B

CN109310297B - Endoscope system

Info

Publication number: CN109310297B
Application number: CN201780036536.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 浦川勉; 川田晋
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2016-07-29
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2021-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-28
Also published as: US20190110676A1; US10694931B2; JPWO2018020721A1; CN109310297A; JP6342592B1; WO2018020721A1

Abstract

An endoscope (2) is provided with: an imaging element (22) that outputs an imaging signal and a test signal; an optical transmission module (24) which is driven by a predetermined applied voltage, converts an image pickup signal and a test signal from the image pickup element (22) into an optical signal, and outputs the optical signal; and an optical fiber (25) for transmitting the optical signal, wherein the video processor (3) comprises: a light receiving module (33) that receives an optical signal transmitted by an optical fiber (32), converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal; an information acquisition unit (34) that acquires transmission information of the optical signal based on the imaging signal or the test signal output from the light-receiving module (33); a determination unit (36) that determines the transmission state of the optical signal based on the transmission information; and a power adjustment unit (37) that adjusts the applied voltage applied to the optical transmission module (24) according to the determination result and outputs the adjusted applied voltage.

Description

Endoscope system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an endoscope system, and more particularly to an endoscope system that transmits a signal output from an image pickup device by using an optical fiber.

Background

An endoscope system including an endoscope for capturing an image of an object inside a subject, an image processing apparatus (signal processing apparatus) for generating an observation image of the object captured by the endoscope, and the like is widely used in the medical field, the industrial field, and the like.

As an endoscope of such an endoscope system, the following endoscope is known: an image pickup device driven based on a predetermined clock signal is used, and a signal transmission cable for transmitting an image pickup signal output from the image pickup device is disposed inside an endoscope.

In recent years, as an image pickup device for an endoscope, an example using a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor has been proposed (japanese patent application laid-open No. 2006-095330).

In addition, the following example is known in such a CMOS image sensor: the CMOS image sensor itself includes an AFE (Analog Front End), and outputs an image pickup signal as a digital signal after performing predetermined AD conversion.

On the other hand, as a signal transmission cable provided in an endoscope for transmitting an image pickup signal output from an image pickup device, for example, as described in japanese patent application laid-open No. 61-121590, an image pickup signal output from an image pickup unit including an image pickup device is transmitted using a predetermined metal lead wire.

In contrast, in recent years, as a signal system for transmitting an image pickup signal output from an image pickup block, an optical signal transmission system by optical fiber connection as shown in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2007-260066 has been proposed.

In the optical signal transmission system in the endoscope system as described above, an optical transmission module is disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope, and an image pickup signal output from an image pickup device is converted into an optical signal and transmitted.

Here, the conventional optical transmission module is set to be driven by an optimum input voltage in consideration of transmission quality, power consumption, and the like, and the input voltage is designed to be unchangeable.

Therefore, in the transmission path of the optical signal, once the transmission quality (e.g., the light amount, jitter, etc.) deteriorates, it is difficult to improve the quality in the circuit thereafter. Specifically, deterioration of attenuation and jitter of light intensity may occur due to the influence of aged deterioration of the transmission path itself of the optical signal, contact failure (contamination, positional displacement, etc.) of the optical connector portion in the transmission path, breakage at the connection portion of the optical fiber in the optical transmission module, or the like, and it is difficult to provide an optical transmission system having a consistently good transmission quality.

Further, the signal amplitude of the image pickup signal output from the image pickup element in the image pickup block is reduced due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup block as a transmission source of the image pickup signal, and when the signal amplitude of the image pickup signal is lower than a standard value of the input signal amplitude relating to the light transmission module, there is a possibility that a transmission failure occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope system that employs an optical signal transmission method, wherein transmission failure is prevented, and optimal transmission quality can always be obtained.

Disclosure of Invention

Means for solving the problems

An endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope that images a subject and an information processing device to which the endoscope is connectable, the endoscope system including: an imaging element that images a subject and outputs at least a predetermined first electric signal; an optical transmission module including a light emitting element which is driven by a predetermined applied voltage and which converts the first electric signal from the image pickup element into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal; and an optical fiber for transmitting the optical signal output from the optical transmission module, the information processing apparatus including: a light receiving module that receives the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber, converts the optical signal into a predetermined second electrical signal, outputs the second electrical signal, and outputs a third electrical signal according to the amount of light of the optical signal; an information acquisition section that acquires transmission information related to the optical signal based on the second electrical signal and the third electrical signal output from the light receiving module; a determination unit that determines a transmission state of the optical signal based on the transmission information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and a power supply adjustment unit that adjusts the applied voltage based on the determination result in the determination unit and outputs the adjusted applied voltage.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition unit in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control action in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination unit in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing an internal structure of the light transmission module in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a main part enlarged view showing one end portion of the substrate of the light transmission module in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a main part enlarged view showing the other end portion of the substrate of the light transmission module in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a state of arrangement of a capacitor in a light transmitting module in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquiring unit in the endoscope system according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination unit in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquiring unit in the endoscope system according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination unit in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquiring unit in an endoscope system according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination unit in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquiring unit in the endoscope system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination unit in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control action in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, an endoscope system 1 according to a first embodiment includes: an endoscope 2 for observing and imaging a subject; a video processor 3 connected to the endoscope 2, functioning as a signal processing device (information processing device) that receives the image pickup signal and performs predetermined image processing, and functioning as a light source device that supplies illumination light for illuminating the subject; and a monitor 5 for displaying an observation image corresponding to the image pickup signal.

The endoscope 2 is configured to include: an elongated insertion portion 6 that can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject or the like; an endoscope operation unit 10 which is disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion unit 6 and is gripped by an operator for operation; and a universal cable 41 provided with one end portion extending from a side portion of the endoscope operation portion 10.

The insertion portion 6 includes a hard distal end portion 7 provided on the distal end side, a bendable bending portion 8 provided on the rear end of the distal end portion 7, and a long and flexible tube portion 9 provided on the rear end of the bending portion 8.

A connector 42 is provided on the base end side of the universal cable 41, and the connector 42 is detachably attached to the front surface of the video processor 3.

A ferrule (not shown) serving as a connection end of the fluid line and a light guide (not shown) serving as a supply end of the illumination light are formed in the connector 42 so as to protrude from the distal end of the connector 42, and an optical connector 26 (see fig. 2) disposed at an end of the optical fiber 25 (see fig. 2) is disposed.

Here, as described above, the connector 42 is connected to the front surface portion of the video processor 3, but the optical connector 26 of the connector 42 is connected to the optical connector 31 (see fig. 2) of the video processor 3.

The structures of the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, the optical fiber 25, and the like will be described in detail later.

One end of the connection cable 43 is connected to an electrical contact portion provided on a side surface of the connector 42.

A signal line for transmitting, for example, a signal for driving the image pickup device 22 (see fig. 2) in the endoscope 2 and a signal for controlling the voltage applied to the optical transmission module 24 (see fig. 2) and the like is provided inside the connection cable 43, and the connector portion at the other end is connected to the video processor 3. These signals and the like will be described in detail later.

Further, an objective optical system (not shown) including a lens for receiving an object image and an imaging block 21 (see fig. 2) including an imaging element 22 disposed on an imaging surface of the objective optical system are disposed at the distal end portion 7 of the insertion portion 6.

Next, the electrical configurations of the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 in the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 2 and 3.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the endoscope system of the first embodiment, and fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquisition unit in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

< construction of endoscope 2 >

First, the endoscope 2 will be explained.

As shown in fig. 2, the endoscope 2 electrically includes an imaging block 21 disposed at the distal end portion 7 of the insertion portion 6, a light transmission module 24 disposed at the rear end side of the imaging block 21, an optical fiber 25 extending from the light transmission module 24, an optical connector 26 disposed at the end portion of the optical fiber 25, and an input voltage supply line 27 for transmitting an input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24.

The endoscope 2 includes a connector 42 connected to the video processor 3, and the connector 42 is provided with a connector circuit (not shown) and the optical connector 26, which form various circuits other than an ID memory (not shown) storing ID information unique to the endoscope 2, and a connector head (not shown) and an optical catheter head (not shown) of a fluid line, and the like.

The endoscope 2 further includes a cable 28 for connecting the connector circuit (not shown) to the imaging block 21. The cable 28 is provided therein with a signal line for transmitting a control signal (for example, a control signal indicating completion of initial setting described later) for driving the image pickup device 22, which is input from the video processor 3, and a power supply line (input voltage supply line 27) for transmitting an applied voltage to be applied to the light transmission module 24 (see fig. 2), and the like.

In the present embodiment, the imaging block 21 includes: an imaging element 22 disposed on an image formation surface of the objective optical system; and a signal amplitude measuring unit 23 that measures a signal amplitude of a predetermined test signal output from the image pickup device 22 at initial setting immediately after the power supply of the endoscope 2 is turned on.

In the present embodiment, the image sensor 22 is an image sensor including a cmos (complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor) image sensor.

Although not shown in fig. 2, in the present embodiment, the image pickup device 22 includes a photodiode as a photoelectric conversion unit, and also includes a so-called AFE (Analog Front End) having a timing generator, an AD conversion unit, and the like.

The imaging element 22 outputs an imaging signal obtained by imaging the subject as a first electric signal, and in addition, outputs a predetermined test signal as the first electric signal. The test signal is a predetermined test signal that is output from the image pickup device 22 during a period (period until the initial setting is completed) from the time of initial setting immediately after the power of the endoscope 2 is turned on and the image pickup device 22 starts operating until the image pickup device 22 outputs the image pickup signal related to the subject.

In the present embodiment, the test signal employs a Pseudo-random bit sequence called a so-called PRBS (Pseudo-random bit sequence).

The image pickup device 22 is controlled by a control signal from a determination unit 36 (described in detail later) in the video processor 3, and when the control signal indicating "initial setting completion" is received and the completion of the initial setting is recognized, the test signal is switched to an image pickup signal and output.

On the other hand, the signal amplitude measuring unit 23 measures the signal amplitude of the test signal output from the image pickup device 22, and adds signal amplitude information as a result of the measurement to the test signal.

In the present embodiment, the signal amplitude measuring unit 23 is configured independently of the imaging device 22 in the imaging block 21, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to be incorporated in the imaging device 22.

The light transmission module 24 includes a light emitting element that is driven by a predetermined applied voltage and converts the image pickup signal or the test signal (these signals are used as the first electric signals as described above) output from the image pickup element 22 into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal.

< Structure of optical transmission module 24 >

Here, the structure of the optical transmission module 24 will be described with reference to fig. 6 to 9.

The optical transmission module 24 is disposed in the vicinity of the imaging block 21 at the distal end portion 7 of the insertion portion 6. Specifically, as shown in fig. 6, the internal structure of the device includes an FPC board 61 on which various members are mounted, and a resin frame 62 is disposed on the upper surface of the FPC board 61. In the resin frame 62, a VCSEL 64, a VCSEL driver 63, and four

capacitors

71, 72, 73, and 74 are disposed.

The vcsel (vertical Cavity Surface Emitting laser)64 is a so-called vertical Cavity Surface Emitting laser that resonates light in a direction perpendicular to a substrate Surface and emits light in a direction perpendicular to the Surface.

In the present embodiment, the VCSEL 64 is a light emitting element that is driven by the VCSEL driver 63, converts the input image pickup signal or the test signal into an optical signal, and outputs the optical signal to the optical fiber 25.

As shown in fig. 7, the FPC board 61 includes a power supply line and a control signal line at one electrode-side end 61a, and also includes four-channel input terminals for receiving differential signals. Four optical fiber grooves 65 for providing the four optical fibers 25 are formed in the optical fiber side one end portion 61b of the FPC board 61.

Here, when the end portion of the optical fiber 25 is provided in the optical fiber groove portion 65 and the tip portion of the optical fiber 25 is connected to the VCSEL 64 in the resin frame 62, the optical fiber 25 is adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the resin frame 62 as shown in fig. 6.

In this case, if the adhesive for bonding the optical fibers 25 is not subjected to any treatment, a part of the adhesive may flow to the periphery, for example, the FPC substrate 61.

When this state is achieved, for example, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, the FPC substrate 61 may be deformed by thermal expansion of the adhesive, and peeling or positional displacement of the VCSEL 64 may occur.

In view of the above, the light transmission module 24 employed in the present embodiment is characterized in that, as shown in fig. 8,

groove portions

66a, 66b are formed in the FPC substrate 61 in the vicinity of the optical fiber groove portion 65, specifically, at both end portions of the optical fiber groove portion 65.

As described above, by forming the

grooves

66a and 66b in the optical fiber side one end portion 61b of the FPC substrate 61, even if a part of the adhesive for bonding the optical fiber 25 flows out, the flowing-out adhesive can be captured in the

grooves

66a and 66 b.

The light transmission module 24 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and thus can prevent the adhesive from flowing out to the peripheral portion and prevent the FPC substrate 61 from being deformed due to the difference in the ambient temperature and humidity.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the light transmission module 24 has four

capacitors

71, 72, 73, and 74 disposed on the upper surface of the FPC substrate 61 in the resin frame 62 as described above.

Here,

such capacitors

71, 72, 73, and 74 are usually mounted on the upper surface of a copper foil 75 formed on the upper surface of a base material 76 in the FPC board 61. However, in recent years, in an endoscope for which further downsizing and diameter reduction are desired, it is desired to reduce the thickness of the copper foil 75 in accordance with the thickness.

In view of the above, the light transmission module 24 employed in the present embodiment is characterized in that, as shown in fig. 9, copper foil portions corresponding to portions where the

capacitors

71, 72, 73, 74 are mounted are removed, and the

capacitors

71, 72, 73, 74 are directly mounted on the upper surface of the base material 76.

The light transmission module 24 according to the present embodiment has the effect of further reducing the diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 6 of the endoscope 2 by the above-described configuration.

Returning to fig. 2, the endoscope 2 includes an optical fiber 25 extending from the light transmission module 24. The optical fiber 25 is a multimode optical fiber having a core diameter of 50 μm, extends from the light transmission module 24 (specifically, the VCSEL 64 in the light transmission module 24 as described above) disposed at the distal end portion 7 of the insertion portion 6, and extends to the optical connector 26 disposed in the connector 42 via the respective interiors of the insertion portion 6, the operation portion 10, and the universal cable 41.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 25 is configured by four optical fibers so as to correspond to the four-channel differential signal line.

As described above, the optical connector 26 is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber 25. The optical connector 26 forms a part of the connector 42 and optically connects with the optical connector 31 in the video processor 3.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 2, the endoscope 2 includes an input voltage supply line 27 for transmitting an input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24. The input voltage supply line 27 is connected to a power adjustment unit 37 (details will be described later) in the video processor 3, and the voltage adjusted by the power adjustment unit 37 is applied to the light transmission module 24.

Here, as described above, in general, such an optical transmission module is set to be driven by an optimum input voltage (applied voltage). However, the input voltage (applied voltage) is generally designed to be unchangeable from the initial setting.

Further, for example, when a contact failure (contamination, positional displacement, or the like) between the optical connector 26 and the optical connector 31 occurs in the optical signal transmission path, or when a breakage or the like occurs at the connection portion of the optical fiber 25 in the optical transmission module 24 as described above, there is a possibility that attenuation of the light amount or deterioration of jitter occurs.

When such a problem occurs, if the input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the optical transmission module 24 cannot be changed as described above, it is difficult to provide an optical transmission system having good transmission quality.

In view of the above, the present embodiment can control the input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the optical transmission module 24 so that the optimum transmission quality can be always obtained with respect to the optical signal.

Specifically, the input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24 in the endoscope 2 is output after being adjusted and controlled by the determination unit 36 and the power adjustment unit 37 on the video processor 3 side, and is applied to the light transmission module 24 via the input voltage supply line 27. The control from the video processor 3 side will be described in detail later.

< Structure of video processor 3 >

Next, the structure of the video processor 3 will be explained.

The video processor 3 is connected to the endoscope 2, and is a signal processing device that functions as a light source device and that inputs the image pickup signal and performs predetermined image processing, but in the present embodiment, the video processor 3 also functions as an information processing device that, as described above, inputs the test signal output from the endoscope 2 prior to the image pickup signal and performs predetermined information processing when the power of the endoscope 2 is turned on (when the power is turned on).

Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the video processor 3 includes an optical connector 31 optically connected to the optical connector 26, an optical fiber 32 extending from the optical connector 31, and a light receiving module 33 connected to one end of the optical fiber 32.

The video processor 3 further includes: an information acquisition section 34 connected to a first output line 38a and a second output line 38b as output ends of the light receiving module 33; an image processing unit 35 connected to an output terminal of the information acquisition unit 34, for applying predetermined image processing to the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 22; a determination unit 36 that performs a predetermined determination based on the various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34; and a power supply adjustment unit 37 that adjusts an input voltage (applied voltage) of the light transmission module 24 in the endoscope 2 based on the determination result in the determination unit 36 and outputs the adjusted input voltage (applied voltage).

The optical fiber 32 in the video processor 3 has the same configuration as the optical fiber 25, and transmits the image pickup signal or the test signal as an optical signal.

The light receiving module 33 includes a light receiving element for receiving the image pickup signal or the test signal as an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber 32, converting the image pickup signal or the test signal into a predetermined electrical signal, and outputting the signal.

Here, the light receiving module 33 is configured to convert an optical signal (an imaging signal or a test signal) incident on the light receiving element into a predetermined electrical signal, and output the electrical signal obtained by the conversion as a second electrical signal from the first output line 38a (see fig. 2 and 3).

On the other hand, the light receiving module 33 is formed to output an electric signal indicating current value information corresponding to the light amount of the light signal incident on the light receiving element as a third electric signal from the second output line 38b (see fig. 2 and 3).

< construction of information acquiring section 34 >

Next, the configuration of the information acquiring unit 34 will be described with reference to fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the information acquisition unit 34 includes a signal amplitude information detection unit 51 and a BER measurement unit 53 connected to the output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33, and a light amount measurement unit 52 connected to the output line 38b extending from the light receiving module 33.

The signal amplitude information detection section 51 has a function of detecting the signal amplitude information based on the test signal converted into the electric signal in the light receiving module 33.

That is, the signal amplitude information detection unit 51 is connected to the first output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33, and receives the second electrical signal (a predetermined electrical signal obtained by converting the optical signal incident on the light receiving module 33) output from the light receiving module 33.

Here, as described above, in the signal amplitude measuring section 23 of the endoscope 2, the signal amplitude information which is the measurement result in the signal amplitude measuring section 23 is added to the test signal output from the imaging block 21 (as described above, in the present embodiment, both the test signal and the imaging signal are set as the first electrical signal).

The test signal, which is a first electrical signal, is once converted into an optical signal in the optical transmission module 24 in the endoscope 2, and then is converted again into an electrical signal in the optical reception module 33 in the video processor 3 via the optical fiber 25 and the optical fiber 32, and is output as a second electrical signal from the first output line 38 a.

The signal amplitude information detecting unit 51 detects the signal amplitude information added to the test signal, that is, the amplitude value of the test signal, based on the test signal input as the second electric signal, and outputs the detection result to the determining unit 36.

Thus, the information acquisition section 34 having the signal amplitude information detection section 51 functions as an information acquisition section that acquires transmission information relating to the optical signal based on the electric signal relating to the test signal among the electric signals output from the light receiving module 33.

The light amount measuring unit 52 has a function of measuring the light amount related to the optical signal based on the third electrical signal.

That is, the light amount measuring unit 52 is connected to the second output line 38b extending from the light receiving module 33, and inputs the third electric signal output from the light receiving module 33. As described above, the third electric signal is an electric signal indicating current value information corresponding to the light amount of the optical signal incident on the light receiving module 33.

The light amount measuring unit 52 measures the value of the light amount of the light signal incident on the light receiving module 33 based on the third electric signal indicating the current value information corresponding to the light amount of the light signal, and outputs the measurement result to the determination unit 36.

The BER measuring unit 53 also functions as a bit error rate measuring unit that measures a Bit Error Rate (BER) associated with the optical signal based on the test signal that is the second electrical signal.

That is, the BER measuring unit 53 is connected to the first output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33, and inputs the second electrical signal (a predetermined electrical signal obtained by converting the optical signal incident on the light receiving module 33) output from the light receiving module 33.

The BER measuring unit 53 measures a Bit Error Rate (BER) of the test signal based on the input test signal as the second electrical signal, and outputs the measurement result to the determining unit 36.

The BER measuring unit 53 determines whether the input second electric signal is the test signal or the image pickup signal, and outputs the image pickup signal to the image processing unit 35 when the second electric signal is the image pickup signal as a result of the determination.

< determination in determination section 36 >

Returning to fig. 2, the determination unit 36 obtains the results from the signal amplitude information detection unit 51, the light amount measurement unit 52, and the BER measurement unit 53 in the information acquisition unit 34, and determines the transmission state (transmission quality) of the test signal.

That is, the determination unit 36 obtains the above-described pieces of information relating to the transmission quality of the test signal (the detection result of "amplitude" obtained by the signal amplitude information detection unit 51, the measurement result of "light amount" obtained by the light amount measurement unit 52, or the measurement result of "BER" obtained by the BER measurement unit 53) from the information acquisition unit 34, and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on the obtained pieces of results based on a determination criterion (a reference value satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for the pieces of information.

The determination unit 36 determines a pattern corresponding to a combination of the transmission qualities of the pieces of information, based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of each piece of information is good.

Then, the determination unit 36 executes the following processes (a), (b), and (c) according to the determined mode:

(a) the power adjustment unit 37 is controlled so as to adjust an input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24 in the endoscope 2 and output the adjusted input voltage (applied voltage);

(b) transmitting a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 in order to switch the test signal output from the image pickup block 21 to an image pickup signal; and

(c) when an error occurs, the respective circuits are controlled so that the monitor 5 displays a predetermined error.

The determination unit 36 also determines whether or not the input voltage (applied voltage) to be adjusted by the power adjustment unit 37 is a standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

Specifically, when the process of (a) is executed, the determination unit 36 determines whether or not the voltage to be applied to the optical transmission module 24 is a standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24, and when it is determined that the voltage is a value other than the standard value, it is determined that an error has occurred, and controls each circuit relating thereto so that the monitor 5 performs a predetermined error display.

In this determination, when the voltage to be applied to the optical transmission module 24 is within the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24, the process of (a) described above is executed.

< adjustment of input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the optical transmission module 24 in the power supply adjustment unit 37 >

When the predetermined condition is satisfied according to the determination result of the determination unit 36, the power supply adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24 and outputs the input voltage (applied voltage) to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2.

< action of the first embodiment >

The operation of the first embodiment in which the above-described configuration is formed will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control action in the endoscope system of the first embodiment, and fig. 5 is a table diagram showing processing executed by the determination section in each mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition section in the endoscope system of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 4, when the power of the endoscope system 1 (the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3) is turned on, the test signal is output from the image pickup block 21 (the image pickup element 22) in the endoscope 2 as a first electric signal (step S1). At this time, the signal amplitude information measured in the signal amplitude measuring unit 23 as described above is added to the test signal.

The test signal output from the imaging block 21 in step S1 is converted into an optical signal by the optical transmission module 24, transmitted through the optical fiber 25, the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 32, and input to the optical reception module 33.

Then, the test signal converted into the electric signal (second electric signal) again in the light receiving module 33 is input to each unit (the signal amplitude information detecting unit 51 and the BER measuring unit 53) in the information acquiring unit 34 via the first output line 38 a.

On the other hand, a third electric signal indicating current value information corresponding to the light amount of the optical signal is output from the light receiving module 33, and the third electric signal is input to the light amount measuring section 52 in the information acquiring section 34 via the second output line 38 b.

Next, in these parts (the signal amplitude information detection part 51, the light amount measurement part 52, and the BER measurement part 53) of the information acquisition part 34, the amplitude information, the light amount information, and the BER information are acquired based on the test signal as the second electric signal or the third electric signal related to the value of the light amount (step S2), and the acquired information is output to the determination part 36.

Then, the determination unit 36 first determines a mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34 based on the information (amplitude information, light amount information, BER information) (step S3).

That is, as described above, the determination unit 36 obtains the above-described pieces of information relating to the transmission quality of the test signal (the detection result of "amplitude" obtained by the signal amplitude information detection unit 51, the measurement result of "light amount" obtained by the light amount measurement unit 52, or the measurement result of "BER" obtained by the BER measurement unit 53) from the information acquisition unit 34, and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on the obtained results based on the determination criteria (reference values satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for the pieces of information.

Then, the determination unit 36 determines a pattern corresponding to a combination of the transmission qualities of the pieces of information, based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of each piece of information is good (step S3).

Thereafter, the determination unit 36 controls the correlation circuit to execute each process according to the determined mode (step S4 to step S7 or step S8 to step S11).

Here, each mode and each processing content corresponding to the mode will be described with reference to fig. 5.

As described above, the determination unit 36 determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on the results obtained from the information acquisition unit 34, based on the determination criteria (reference values satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for each piece of information.

In fig. 5, "o mark" in the table indicates a state (good state) satisfying the judgment reference of the corresponding information (reference value satisfying transmission quality), and "x mark" indicates a state (bad state) not satisfying the judgment reference of the corresponding information (reference value satisfying transmission quality).

In fig. 5, each pattern (pattern 1 to pattern 8) corresponds to a combination type of whether or not the information is good with respect to the criterion of each information, and for example, pattern 1 is a combination type corresponding to pattern 1: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good "," amplitude; the pattern corresponding to a good combination means that the "BER" and the "amplitude" are "good" and within the reference value, while the "light amount" is "bad" and outside the reference value.

In addition, mode 8 is similar to mode 8: "amount of light; good "," BER; good "," amplitude; the pattern corresponding to a good combination means that all of the "light amount", "BER", and "amplitude" are "good", and satisfy the reference value.

The endoscope system according to the first embodiment defines a plurality of modes shown below, that is, modes

Mode 1: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 2: "amount of light; good "," BER; poor "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 3: "amount of light; poor "," BER; poor "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 4: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good "," amplitude; a combination of defective,

Mode 5: "amount of light; poor "," BER; poor "," amplitude; a combination of defective,

Mode 6: "amount of light; good "," BER; poor "," amplitude; a combination of defective,

Mode 7: "amount of light; good "," BER; good "," amplitude; a combination of defective,

Mode 8: "amount of light; good "," BER; good "," amplitude; a good combination.

Here, returning to fig. 4, the determination unit 36 determines the mode in step S3 based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of each piece of information is good, and if the determined mode is the mode 1 to the mode 6 as a result (step S4), the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In step S5, the determination unit 36 determines whether or not the input voltage (applied voltage) to be adjusted by the power adjustment unit 37 is within the range of the standard value for the optical transmission module 24 (step S5).

When the determination unit 36 determines in step S5 that the voltage to be applied to the light transmission module 24 is a value other than the standard value for the light transmission module 24, it is determined that an error has occurred, and the relevant circuits are controlled so that the monitor 5 performs a predetermined error display (step S7).

On the other hand, when the determination unit 36 determines in step S5 that the voltage to be applied to the optical transmission module 24 is within the reference value associated with the optical transmission module 24, the process proceeds to step S6.

That is, in step S6, under the control of the determination unit 36, the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage (applied voltage) applied to the light transmission module 24 and outputs the adjusted input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 of the endoscope 2.

Specifically, when the mode is any one of the

modes

1, 2, and 3, that is, when the determination by the determination unit 36 is made, the mode is set to be any one of the modes

Mode 1: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 2: "amount of light; good "," BER; poor "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 3: "amount of light; poor "," BER; poor "," amplitude; good combination

In the case of (3), the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to increase the input voltage by, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, outputs the input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2, and returns to the step S2.

Thereafter, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 7 or the mode 8 by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37 (the control of the rise of the input voltage).

The input voltage is adjusted to be gradually increased by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37, and the input voltage is set to reach the upper limit of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case, if the mode is not changed to the mode 7 or the mode 8, it is determined in the above-described step S5 that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

Then, the determination unit 36 proceeds to step S7 at this point, and performs error display on the monitor 5 under the control of the determination unit 36.

On the other hand, in step S6, when the mode is any one of the

modes

4, 5, and 6, that is, when the determination by the determination unit 36 is made, the mode is set to be any one of the

modes

4, 5, and 6

Mode 6: "amount of light; good "," BER; poor "," amplitude; combination of undesirable

In the case of (3), the power adjustment unit 37 transmits a control signal to the voltage adjustment unit 27 in the endoscope 2, the control signal being obtained by adjusting the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to decrease the input voltage in units of, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, and the process returns to the step S2.

Here, the reason why the input voltage value applied to the light transmission module 24 is increased or decreased according to "whether or not the amplitude is good" under the control of the video processor 3 will be described.

In general, the light transmission module tends to output a higher amount of light as the applied input voltage is higher. Here, when the applied input voltage is high, if the amplitude of the input signal from the image pickup device 22 is lower than a standard value, there is a possibility that the operation is not performed.

However, even when the optical transmitter module 24 is in such an inoperable state, it is known that the optical transmitter module may operate when the input voltage applied thereto is reduced. This is based on the fact that the applied input voltage and input signal amplitude level are detected and driven by an IC (for example, the VCSEL driver 63) inside the optical transmission module, and the threshold values of the input voltage and the input signal amplitude are shifted substantially linearly, and it is considered that the threshold value of the input signal amplitude changes according to the input voltage.

In view of the above-described operation, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment is intended to provide an endoscope system that can prevent transmission failure and always obtain an optimal transmission quality in an endoscope system using an optical signal transmission method.

On the other hand, as described above, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 7 or the mode 8 by the adjustment (the control of the drop of the input voltage) of the power adjustment unit 37.

Further, as described above, the input voltage is adjusted by the power adjustment unit 37 so as to be gradually reduced, and the input voltage reaches the lower limit value of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case, if the mode is not changed to the mode 7 or the mode 8, it is determined in the above-described step S5 that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24. In this case, the determination unit 36 also proceeds to step S7, and performs error display on the monitor 5 under the control of the determination unit 36.

If the pattern determined in step S4 is the pattern 7 to the pattern 8, the process proceeds to step S8. Then, in step S8, the determination unit 36 determines whether the pattern is the pattern 7 or the pattern 8 (step S8).

Here, regarding the case where the mode is the mode 7, that is, the mode 7: "amount of light; good "," BER; good "," amplitude; in the case of the combination of "poor", although the "light amount" and the "BER" are "good", the "amplitude" is "poor", and therefore it can be predicted that there is no problem in the transmission path of the optical signal but some problem occurs in the image pickup element 22 itself.

Therefore, when the determination unit 36 determines in step S8 that the mode is the mode 7, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image block 21 in order to switch the test signal output from the image block 21 to the image signal (step S9).

At the same time, the determination unit 36 determines that a problem has occurred in the image pickup device 22, and controls the respective circuits so that the monitor 5 performs a predetermined error display (step S10).

On the other hand, in the case where the mode is the mode 8 in step S8, that is, in the case where the mode is the mode 8: "amount of light; good "," BER; good "," amplitude; in the case of a good "combination,

since it can be predicted that there is no problem in the optical signal transmission path or the image pickup device 22, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 in order to switch the test signal output from the image pickup block 21 to the image pickup signal (step S11).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the endoscope system using the optical signal transmission method, the transmission state (transmission quality) of the optical signal can be accurately detected in the video processor 3 based on the first electrical signal (test signal) output from the image pickup element 22 at the initial setting immediately after the power supply of the endoscope 2 is turned on and the image pickup element 22 starts to operate, and adjusts/controls the input voltage applied to the optical transmission module 24 on the endoscope 2 side based on the detection result, therefore, even in the case where the transmission quality (e.g., the amount of light, jitter, etc.) in the transmission path of the optical signal is deteriorated, it is possible to realize optical transmission with a transmission quality that is always good, further, even when the amplitude of the image pickup signal is reduced due to a malfunction or the like in the image pickup device 22, a transmission malfunction can be prevented.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the video processor 3 accurately detects the transmission state (transmission quality) of the optical signal based on the test signal, which is the first electrical signal, output from the image sensor 22, but the detection of the transmission state of the optical signal is not limited to the detection based on the test signal as described above, and may be based on the image sensor signal output from the image sensor 22.

In this case, not only when the power of the endoscope 2 is turned on and the image pickup device 22 starts operating, but also in normal shooting, the same operational effects as described above can be achieved, that is, even when the transmission quality (for example, the light amount, jitter, or the like) in the transmission path of the optical signal is deteriorated, the optical transmission with the transmission quality always good can be achieved, and even when the amplitude of the image pickup signal is reduced due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup device 22, the transmission failure can be prevented.

< first modification >

Next, a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the first modification of the first embodiment, fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the first modification, and fig. 12 is a table diagram showing processing performed by a determination unit in each mode corresponding to information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the first modification.

The endoscope system according to the first modification example is the same in basic configuration as the endoscope system according to the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the information acquiring unit 34A in the video processor 3 is partially different, and the content of the measurement result used by the determination unit 36 is partially different. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 10, the information acquiring unit 34A according to the first modification includes: a BER measurement unit 53 connected to the first output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33; and a light amount measuring unit 52 connected to the second output line 38b extending from the light receiving module 33 in the same manner.

As shown in fig. 11, in the endoscope system 1 of the first modification, similarly to the above, in step S1, a test signal is output from the imaging block 21, converted into an optical signal by the optical transmission module 24, transmitted via the optical fiber 25, the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 32, and then input to the optical reception module 33.

The test signal converted into the second electrical signal in the light receiving module 33 is input to the BER measuring section 53 in the information acquiring section 34A via the first output line 38 a. On the other hand, the third electric signal relating to the value of the light amount output from the light receiving module 33 is input to the light amount measuring section 52 in the information acquiring section 34A via the second output line 38 b.

Next, in each of these units (the light amount measuring unit 52 and the BER measuring unit 53) in the information acquiring unit 34A, the light amount information and the BER information are acquired based on the test signal as the second electric signal or the third electric signal related to the value of the light amount (step S2), and the acquired information is output to the determining unit 36.

Then, the determination unit 36 determines a pattern associated with the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34A based on the information (light amount information, BER information), and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on a determination criterion (a reference value satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for each of the information (step S3).

Thereafter, the determination unit 36 controls the correlation circuit to execute each process according to the determined mode (step S4A to step S7 or step S11).

Here, each mode and each processing content corresponding to the mode will be described with reference to fig. 12. Note that, in fig. 12, "o" symbol and "x" symbol in the table indicate whether the state satisfying the judgment criterion of the corresponding information (the criterion value satisfying the transmission quality) is good or bad, as in the first embodiment.

In fig. 12, each mode (mode 1 to mode 4) corresponds to a combination type of whether or not the judgment criterion for each piece of information is good, and the endoscope system according to the first modification defines the following combinations

Mode 1: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good combination,

Mode 2: "amount of light; poor "," BER; a combination of defective,

Mode 3: "amount of light; good "," BER; a combination of defective,

Mode 4: "amount of light; good "," BER; a good combination.

Returning to fig. 11, the determination unit 36 determines the mode in step S3 based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of each piece of information is good, and if the determined mode is the mode 1 to the mode 3 (step S4A), the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In the first modification, the same operations as those of the first embodiment described above are performed in steps S5 to S7. Specifically, when the mode is any one of the

modes

Mode 1: "amount of light; poor "," BER; good combination,

Mode 2: "amount of light; poor "," BER; a combination of defective,

Mode 3: "amount of light; good "," BER; combination of undesirable

In the case of (3), the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to increase the input voltage by, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, and outputs the adjusted input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2, and the process returns to step S2.

Thereafter, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 4 by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37 (the control of the rise of the input voltage): "amount of light; good "," BER; until it is good.

The input voltage is adjusted to be gradually increased by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37, and is assumed to reach the upper limit of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case the mode still does not change to mode 4: "amount of light; good "," BER; in the case of good, the determination is made as follows. That is, in step S5 described above, it is determined that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

Therefore, similarly to the above, the determination unit 36 proceeds to step S7 at this point, and performs an error display on the monitor 5 under the control of the determination unit 36.

On the other hand, the mode determined in the step S4A is mode 4: "amount of light; good "," BER; if "good", it can be predicted that there is no problem in the optical signal transmission path and the image pickup device 22. In this way, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the imaging block 21 (step S11).

As described above, in the first modification, even when the transmission quality (for example, the light amount, jitter, or the like) is deteriorated in the transmission path of the optical signal, the optical transmission with the excellent transmission quality can be realized, and even when the amplitude of the image pickup signal is decreased due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup device 22, the transmission failure can be prevented.

< second modification >

Next, a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the second modification of the first embodiment, fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the second modification, and fig. 15 is a table diagram showing processing performed by a determination unit in each mode corresponding to information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the second modification.

The endoscope system according to the second modification example is the same in basic configuration as the endoscope system according to the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the information acquiring unit 34B in the video processor 3 is partially different, and the content of the measurement result used by the determination unit 36 is partially different. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 13, the information acquiring unit 34B according to the second modification includes a light amount measuring unit 52, and the light amount measuring unit 52 is connected to the second output line 38B extending from the light receiving module 33.

As shown in fig. 14, in the endoscope system 1 of the second modification, in step S1, similarly to the above, a test signal is output from the imaging block 21, converted into an optical signal by the optical transmission module 24, transmitted via the optical fiber 25, the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 32, and then input to the optical reception module 33.

In the second modification, the third electric signal relating to the value of the light amount output from the light receiving module 33 is input to the light amount measuring section 52 in the information acquiring section 34B via the second output line 38B. Then, the light amount measuring unit 52 acquires light amount information based on the third electric signal (step S2), and outputs the acquired information to the determination unit 36.

Then, the determination unit 36 determines a mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34B based on the information (light amount information), and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on a determination criterion (a reference value satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for the information (step S3).

That is, the determination unit 36 controls the correlation circuit to execute each process according to the determined mode (step S4B to step S7 or step S11).

Here, each mode and each processing content corresponding to the mode will be described with reference to fig. 15. Note that, in fig. 15, "o" symbol and "x" symbol in the table indicate whether the state satisfying the judgment criterion of the corresponding information (the criterion value satisfying the transmission quality) is good or bad, as in the first embodiment.

In fig. 15, each of the modes (mode 1 to mode 2) corresponds to the type of the information that is good or bad with respect to the criterion of the information, and the endoscope system according to the second modification defines

Mode 1: "amount of light; not good

Mode 2: "amount of light; good ".

Returning to fig. 14, the determination unit 36 determines the mode in step S3 based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of the information (light amount) is good, and if the determined mode is the mode 1 as a result (step S4B), the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In the second modification, the same operations as those of the first embodiment described above are performed in steps S5 to S7. Specifically, when the mode is determined by the determination unit 36, the mode is mode 1: "amount of light; in the case of a failure, the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to increase the input voltage by, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, and outputs the adjusted input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2, and the process returns to step S2.

Thereafter, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 2 by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37 (the control of the rise of the input voltage): "amount of light; until it is good.

The input voltage is adjusted to be gradually increased by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37, and is assumed to reach the upper limit of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case the mode still does not change to mode 2: "amount of light; in the case of good, the determination is made as follows. That is, in step S5 described above, it is determined that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

On the other hand, the mode determined in the step S4B is mode 2: "amount of light; in the case of "good", since it can be predicted that there is no problem in the optical signal transmission path and the image pickup device 22, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 (step S11).

As described above, in the second modification, that is, in the case where the transmission quality (for example, the light amount) is deteriorated in the transmission path of the optical signal, the optical transmission with the transmission quality always good can be realized, and even in the case where the amplitude of the image pickup signal is reduced due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup device 22, the transmission failure can be prevented.

< third modification >

Next, a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquisition unit in an endoscope system according to a third modification of the first embodiment, fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the third modification, and fig. 18 is a table diagram showing processing performed by a determination unit in each mode corresponding to information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the third modification.

The endoscope system according to the third modification example is the same in basic configuration as the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the information acquiring unit 34C in the video processor 3 is partially different, and the content of the measurement result used by the determination unit 36 is partially different.

Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 16, the information acquisition unit 34C according to the third modification includes a BER measurement unit 53, and the BER measurement unit 53 is connected to the first output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33.

As shown in fig. 17, in the endoscope system 1 of the third modification, in step S1, similarly to the above, a test signal is output from the imaging block 21, converted into an optical signal by the optical transmission module 24, transmitted via the optical fiber 25, the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 32, and then input to the optical reception module 33.

In the third modification, the second electric signal output from the light receiving module 33 is input to the BER measuring unit 53 in the information acquiring unit 34C via the first output line 38 a. The BER measuring unit 53 measures a Bit Error Rate (BER) associated with the optical signal based on the second electrical signal to acquire BER information (step S2), and outputs the acquired BER information to the determination unit 36.

Then, the determination unit 36 determines a mode corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34C based on the information (BER information), and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on a determination criterion (a reference value satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for the information (step S3).

That is, the determination unit 36 controls the correlation circuit to execute each process according to the determined mode (step S4C to step S7 or step S11).

Here, each mode and each processing content corresponding to the mode will be described with reference to fig. 18. Note that, in fig. 18, "o" symbol and "x" symbol in the table indicate whether the state satisfying the judgment criterion of the corresponding information (the criterion value satisfying the transmission quality) is good or bad, as in the first embodiment.

In fig. 18, each of the modes (mode 1 to mode 2) corresponds to a type of the information which is good or bad with respect to the judgment criterion, and the endoscope system according to the third modification defines

Mode 1: "BER; not good

Mode 2: "BER: good ".

Returning to fig. 17, the determination unit 36 determines the mode based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of the information (BER) is good or not in step S3, and if the determined mode is the mode 1 as a result (step S4C), the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In the third modification, the same operations as those of the first embodiment described above are performed in steps S5 to S7. Specifically, when the mode is determined by the determination unit 36, the mode is mode 1: "BER; in the case of a failure, the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to increase the input voltage by, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, and outputs the adjusted input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2, and the process returns to step S2.

Thereafter, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 2 by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37 (the control of the rise of the input voltage): "BER; until it is good.

The input voltage is adjusted to be gradually increased by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37, and is assumed to reach the upper limit of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case the mode still does not change to mode 2: "BER; in the case of good, the determination is made as follows. That is, in step S5 described above, it is determined that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

The mode determined in step S4C is mode 2: "BER; in the case of "good", since it can be predicted that there is no problem in the optical signal transmission path and the image pickup device 22, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 (step S11).

As described above, in the third modification, that is, in the case where the transmission quality (for example, BER) is deteriorated in the optical signal transmission path, the optical transmission with the excellent transmission quality can be realized, and even in the case where the amplitude of the image pickup signal is reduced due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup device 22, the transmission failure can be prevented.

< fourth modification >

Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information acquisition unit in an endoscope system according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment, fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control operation in the endoscope system according to the fourth modification, and fig. 21 is a table diagram showing processing performed by a determination unit in each mode corresponding to information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the endoscope system according to the fourth modification.

The endoscope system according to the fourth modification example is the same as the endoscope system according to the first embodiment in basic configuration, except that the configuration of the information acquiring unit 34D in the video processor 3 is partially different, and the content of the measurement result used by the determination unit 36 is partially different.

As shown in fig. 19, the information acquisition unit 34D according to the fourth modification includes a signal amplitude information detection unit 51 and a BER measurement unit 53, and the signal amplitude information detection unit 51 and the BER measurement unit 53 are connected to a first output line 38a extending from the light receiving module 33.

As shown in fig. 20, in the endoscope system 1 of the fourth modification, similarly to the above, in step S1, a test signal is output from the imaging block 21, converted into an optical signal by the optical transmission module 24, transmitted via the optical fiber 25, the optical connector 26, the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 32, and then input to the optical reception module 33.

The test signal converted into the second electrical signal in the light receiving module 33 is input to the signal amplitude information detecting section 51 and the BER measuring section 53 in the information acquiring section 34D via the first output line 38 a.

Next, in these parts (the signal amplitude information detecting part 51 and the BER measuring part 53) of the information acquiring part 34D, amplitude information and BER information are acquired based on the test signal which is the second electric signal (step S2), and the acquired information is output to the determining part 36.

Then, the determination unit 36 determines a pattern associated with the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34D based on the information (amplitude information, BER information), and determines whether or not the transmission quality is good based on a determination criterion (a reference value satisfying the transmission quality) predetermined for each of the information (step S3).

Thereafter, the determination unit 36 controls the correlation circuit to execute each process according to the determined mode (step S4D to step S7 or step S11).

Here, each mode and each processing content corresponding to the mode will be described with reference to fig. 21. Note that, in fig. 21, "o" symbol "and" x "symbol in the table indicate whether the state satisfying the judgment criterion of the corresponding information (the criterion value satisfying the transmission quality) is good or bad, as in the first embodiment.

In fig. 21, each mode (mode 1 to mode 3) corresponds to a combination type of whether or not the judgment criterion for each piece of information is good, and the endoscope system according to the fourth modification defines the following combinations

Mode 1: "BER; poor "," amplitude; good combination,

Mode 2: "BER; good "," amplitude; a combination of defective,

Mode 3: "BER; good "," amplitude; a good combination.

Returning to fig. 20, the determination unit 36 determines a mode in step S3 based on the determination of whether the transmission quality of each piece of information is good, and if the determined mode is mode 1 as a result (step S4D), the process proceeds to the next step S5.

In the fourth modification, the same operation as that of the first embodiment is performed in steps S5 to S7. Specifically, when the mode is determined by the determination unit 36, the mode is mode 1: "BER; poor "," amplitude; if it is good, the power adjustment unit 37 adjusts the input voltage applied to the light transmission module 24 so as to increase the input voltage by, for example, 0.1[ V ] or less, and outputs the adjusted input voltage to the input voltage supply line 27 in the endoscope 2, and the process returns to step S2.

Thereafter, the above-described steps S2 to S6 are repeated until the mode is changed to the mode 2 or the mode 3 by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37 (the control of the rise of the input voltage or the control of the fall of the input voltage).

The input voltage is adjusted to be gradually increased by the adjustment of the power adjustment unit 37, and is assumed to reach the upper limit of the standard value defined by the optical transmission module 24. In this case, if the mode is still not changed to the mode 2 or the mode 3, it is determined in the above-described step S5 that the input voltage has reached a value other than the standard value relating to the optical transmission module 24.

Therefore, the determination unit 36 proceeds to step S7 at this point in time, and performs error display on the monitor 5 under the control of the determination unit 36, as described above.

On the other hand, if the pattern determined in step S4D is the pattern 2 or the pattern 3, the process proceeds to step S8D. Then, in this step S8D, the determination unit 36 determines which of the pattern 2 and the pattern 3 the pattern is (step S8D).

Here, regarding the case where the mode is the mode 2, that is, the mode 2: "BER; good "," amplitude; in the case of the combination of "poor", although the "BER" is "good", the "amplitude" is "poor", and therefore it can be predicted that there is no problem in the transmission path of the optical signal but some problem occurs in the image pickup device 22 itself.

Therefore, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 in order to switch the test signal output from the image pickup block 21 to the image pickup signal (step S9). At the same time, the determination unit 36 controls the respective circuits so that the monitor 5 displays a predetermined error if a problem occurs in the image pickup device 22 (step S10).

On the other hand, in the case where the mode is the mode 3 in step S8D, that is, in the case where the mode is the mode 3: "BER; good "," amplitude; in the case of a good combination, since it can be predicted that there is no problem in both the optical signal transmission path and the image pickup device 22, the determination unit 36 transmits a control signal indicating "initial setting completion" to the image pickup block 21 (step S11).

As described above, in the fourth modification, that is, in the case where the transmission quality (for example, amplitude, jitter, or the like) is deteriorated in the transmission path of the optical signal, it is possible to realize optical transmission with always good transmission quality, and it is possible to prevent the transmission failure even in the case where the amplitude of the image pickup signal is reduced due to an operation failure or the like in the image pickup device 22.

< second embodiment >

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a transmission quality control action in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment.

The endoscope system 101 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the imaging element or the light transmission module in the endoscope is newly provided, in the same basic configuration as the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, in the endoscope system 101 according to the second embodiment, the endoscope 102 is provided with a temperature measuring unit 29 for measuring the temperature of the image pickup device 22 or the light transmission module 24 at the distal end portion 7 of the insertion portion 6.

The information of the temperature of the imaging element 22 or the light transmission module 24 measured by the temperature measurement unit 29 is added to the imaging signal or the test signal output from the imaging block 21 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In addition, as in the first embodiment, the test signal or the imaging signal to which the temperature information is added is converted into an optical signal in the optical transmission module 24, and then is input to the optical reception module 33 via the optical fiber 25 and the optical fiber 32.

Then, the test signal or the image pickup signal added with the temperature information input to the light receiving module 33 is input to the information acquiring unit 34, and the amplitude information, the light amount information, and the BER information described above are acquired by the information acquiring unit 34, and the temperature information is acquired (see step S2 in fig. 23).

The temperature information acquired by the information acquiring unit 34 is sent to the determining unit 36, and the determining unit 36 determines the temperature of the image pickup device 22 or the light transmission module 24 (see step S21 in fig. 23).

In step S21, when the determination unit 36 determines that the temperature of the imaging element 22 or the light transmission module 24 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value, the same control as that of steps S4 to S11 (see fig. 4) in the first embodiment is performed as shown in fig. 23.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 36 determines in step S21 that the temperature of the imaging element 22 or the light transmission module 24 exceeds the predetermined threshold, the relevant circuit is controlled to perform a predetermined error display as shown in fig. 23 (step S22).

As described above, in the endoscope system according to the second embodiment, the measurement of the temperature of the image pickup device 22 or the light transmission module 24 has an effect of preventing the patient/operator from being scalded due to the temperature around the image pickup device 22, that is, the temperature increase at the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion, in addition to the effect of maintaining the transmission quality according to the first embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope system that can prevent transmission failure in an endoscope system using an optical signal transmission method and can always obtain an optimum transmission quality.

This application is based on the priority claim 2016-.

Claims

1. An endoscope system includes an endoscope for imaging a subject and an information processing device connectable to the endoscope,

the endoscope has:

an imaging element that images a subject and outputs at least a predetermined first electric signal;

an optical transmission module including a light emitting element which is driven by a predetermined applied voltage and which converts the first electric signal from the image pickup element into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal; and

an optical fiber for transmitting the optical signal output from the optical transmission module,

the information processing device is provided with:

a light receiving module that receives the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber, converts the optical signal into a predetermined second electrical signal, outputs the second electrical signal, and outputs a third electrical signal according to the amount of light of the optical signal,

wherein the endoscope system is characterized in that,

the endoscope further has:

a signal amplitude measuring unit that measures a signal amplitude related to the first electric signal and adds signal amplitude information as a result of the measurement to the first electric signal,

the information processing apparatus further includes:

an information acquisition unit that acquires transmission information relating to the optical signal including the signal amplitude information, based on the second electrical signal output from the light-receiving module;

a determination unit that determines a transmission state of the optical signal based on the transmission information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and

and a power supply adjustment unit that adjusts the applied voltage based on the determination result in the determination unit and outputs the adjusted applied voltage.

2. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the first electric signal is a test signal output from the image pickup element during a period after the image pickup element is operated until the image pickup element outputs an image pickup signal related to the subject.

3. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the first electric signal is an image pickup signal output from the image pickup element.

4. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the information acquisition unit includes: a signal amplitude information detection unit that detects the signal amplitude information based on the second electric signal; an error rate measurement unit that measures an error rate associated with the optical signal based on the second electrical signal; and a light quantity measuring unit that measures a light quantity related to the optical signal based on the third electric signal,

the determination section determines the transmission state of the optical signal based on the transmission information on the signal amplitude information, the light amount, and the error rate acquired by the information acquisition section.

5. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the information acquisition unit includes: a signal amplitude information detection unit that detects the signal amplitude information based on the second electric signal; and an error rate measurement unit that measures an error rate associated with the optical signal based on the second electrical signal,

the determination unit determines the transmission state of the optical signal based on the transmission information on the signal amplitude information and the bit error rate acquired by the information acquisition unit.

6. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the voltage monitoring unit monitors whether or not the value of the applied voltage is within a predetermined standard value.

7. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the communication device further comprises a display unit for displaying the transmission state.

8. The endoscopic system of claim 1,

the endoscope further includes a temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of the imaging element or the light transmission module,

the information acquisition unit acquires temperature information relating to the temperature of the image pickup element or the light transmission module measured by the temperature measurement unit,

the determination unit determines whether or not endoscopy can be performed based on the temperature information acquired by the information acquisition unit.